Nebraska § 29-1205 - Right of accused to a speedy trial; preferences.

§ 29-1205. Right of accused to a speedy trial; preferences.

To effectuate the right of the accused to a speedy trial and the interest of the public in prompt disposition of criminal cases, insofar as is practicable:

(1) The trial of criminal cases shall be given preference over civil cases; and

(2) The trial of defendants in custody and defendants whose pretrial liberty is reasonably believed to present unusual risks shall be given preference over other criminal cases. It shall be the duty of the county attorney to bring to the attention of the trial court any cases falling within this subdivision, and he shall generally advise the court of facts relevant in determining the order of cases to be tried.

Under this section, it is the duty of the county attorney to "advise the court of facts" relevant to the running of the time for trial, and this affirmative duty is as absolute as a defendant’s entitlement to discharge under section 29-1208. State v. Dolinar, 319 Neb. 565, 24 N.W.3d 30 (2025).

Subsection (1) of this section does not demand that all previously scheduled civil trials accommodate the rescheduling of a criminal trial as a result of a defense motion to continue. State v. Sims, 272 Neb. 811, 725 N.W.2d 175 (2006).

The speedy trial right does not apply to parental termination proceedings. In re Interest of C.P., 235 Neb. 276, 455 N.W.2d 138 (1990).

The right to a speedy trial applies only to criminal trials and, thus, does not apply to postconviction actions, which are civil in nature. State v. Bostwick, 233 Neb. 57, 443 N.W.2d 885 (1989).

Sections considered in reviewing order restricting publication of certain information before trial of murder case. State v. Simants, 194 Neb. 783, 236 N.W.2d 794 (1975).

This section is directory and does not grant any right of discharge short of six months. State v. Watkins, 190 Neb. 450, 209 N.W.2d 184 (1973).

Defendant received a speedy trial within ambit of Chapter 29, article 12, R.S.Supp.,1972. State v. Kennedy, 189 Neb. 423, 203 N.W.2d 106 (1972).

The primary burden is upon the state to bring accused to trial within time provided by law and if it does not he is entitled to discharge in absence of express waiver or waiver as provided by statute. State v. Brown, 189 Neb. 297, 202 N.W.2d 585 (1972); State v. Alvarez, 189 Neb. 281, 202 N.W.2d 604 (1972).